NOTING THE NOTES, and quoting the quotes ... and heads are spinning after hearing the latest reasoning from former Vice President Al Gore. His recent explanation for President Obama’s subpar performance in the first presidential debate — that the President was affected by the mile-high altitude in Denver — was right out of the Yogi Berra school of logic. The former Yankee catcher is famous for quotes such as “Nobody goes to that restaurant anymore — it’s too crowded.” Or, “If you see a fork in the road, take it.”

Apparently Al is short for Al-titude sickness.

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THE COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY hasn’t always enjoyed the respect that it now seems to command — at least in some parts of the country. Years ago, people were too busy arguing whether the Vikings or the Chinese or the Martians first discovered America. Instead, they should just concentrate on the amazing navigational accomplishment of Christopher Columbus and his crew in those three tiny ships.

Incredibly, without the aid of GPS or any other kind of computerized navigational system, he made it to America ... and made it back to relatively the same spot two other times. I have a cousin who has been coming to my house for years ... needs directions every time ... and gets lost half of the time.

Finally, some schools give students the day off from classes, in recognition of Columbus Day. Hopefully, they provide adequate training in advance of the holiday so that the kids realize what event benefits them with the day off. We don’t need any replays of the infamous on-air gaffe by the late Andy Musser, who said during a Memorial Day Phillies game that the holiday paid tribute the union workers of America.

Celebrations across the country range from the Columbus Day Parade in New York’s Little Italy section of Lower Manhattan, to a similar event along Passyunk Ave. in South Philadelphia, to the Columbus Cup event played today at Bellewood CC in North Coventry Township, just outside Pottstown.

The local event, in its 9th year, originated years ago as the Italian Open. After falling into disrepair, it was taken over by the Americans of Italian Heritage Council as a way of celebrating the holiday and preserving Italian heritage. It is basically an all-day fete of Italian music, food and wine ... with a little bit of golf and bocce thrown in.

Closer to traditional celebrations is the event held atthe Christopher Columbus Monument in Norristown’s Elmwood Park. It is always held on the traditional date of Columbus Day — Oct. 12 . This year it features a program, beginning at 11:15 a.m. Guest speaker is Father Joe Sica, a noted author, speaker and retreat leader from the Archdiocese of Scranton.

After the program invited guests will be hosted for lunch by Pat Mascaro of J.P. Mascaro and Sons at the corporate headquarters in Audubon. A tip of the red, white and green cap goes to Mascaro for rolling up his sleeves and helping to preserve Italian heritage at a time when so much of the Old World traditions and values are being forgotten.

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PARTING SHOT — At the risk of tearing a rotator cuff while in the act of patting myself on the back, it is necessary to reprint a section from this column that appeared on March 26, 2012. It was written after spending a week at Spring Training in Florida, analyzing this year’s Phillies team ... and hearing so many fans already making preparations for another World Series in Philadelphia. The prophetic words:

“81 - Sorry to dampen the spirits of the faithful, but that is the number of games the Phillies will win this year. The good news is there will be no disappointment during the playoffs and World Series this year. The very old and oft-injured group of Phillies will not contend for the division title for the first time in six years. Look for the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins to battle for the title. And the Washington Nationals will be locked with the Phillies in a fight for third place.”

OK, so I didn’t exactly foresee the meteoric rise on the Nationals or the unexpected collapse of the Marlins (in their new stadium), but I hit the Phillies final record — 81-81 — right on the head.

The reasons I gave all of the shocked fans were an abysmal bullpen and a lack of timely hitting, caused by a dis-functional lineup that starts with the absence of a true leadoff hitter.

Of course, judging by their latest move — moments after their season-ending loss — management deemed that the team’s problems rested on the shoulders of first base coach Sam Perlozzo, who was the first to be fired.

Tony Leodora is president of TL Golf Services, a golf promotion company that includes his work as host of the weekly GolfTalk Live radio show on WNTP 990-AM and editor of GolfStyles magazine. He is former sports editor of The Times Herald. Send comments to tlgolfservices@aol.com.